Beneath bright Fourth of July skies, Newport Polo welcomed thousands of guests to Glen Farm for the Independence Cup, one of the club’s signature summer traditions and a centerpiece of its 150th Diamond Jubilee season. Presented by Turkish Airlines in partnership with Aston Martin Boston, this year’s celebration carried special significance as the nation commemorated America’s 250th anniversary.
More than a day of competition, the Independence Cup brought together sport, history, and community in a setting that reflected the enduring traditions of both Newport Polo and the country it helped celebrate. Guests arrived throughout the afternoon dressed in Stars, Stripes & Seersucker, transforming the sidelines into a sea of patriotic tailgates, picnic spreads, and classic summer style.
Across the grounds, the spirit of America 250 was woven into every aspect of the day. The Heritage Village, presented in collaboration with the Portsmouth 250 Committee and local historical organizations, invited guests to explore Rhode Island’s role in the nation’s founding through living history demonstrations, period displays, and educational exhibits. Distinguished guests included General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, the French Consul General, and the Deputy Consul General of Germany, whose presence reflected both the historical significance of the occasion and Newport Polo’s longstanding international tradition.
The Opening Ceremony offered one of the afternoon’s most memorable moments. Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, His Majesty’s Tenth Regiment of Foot in America, and the 2nd Light Dragoons of Connecticut processed onto the field alongside active military personnel. Readings from the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address reminded spectators of the nation’s founding ideals before the U.S. Navy Band Northeast Trident Brass Quintet performed the National Anthem, setting a respectful and celebratory tone for the match ahead.
While history remained at the heart of the afternoon, Newport Polo’s signature hospitality was on full display. Guests explored Aston Martin Boston’s latest vehicles, enjoyed offerings from local food vendors and boutique retailers, and competed in the Stella Artois Best in Show tailgate competition celebrating the day’s patriotic theme. Throughout the grounds, families gathered beneath umbrellas and tents, children played lawn games, and friends lingered over champagne, cocktails, and summer fare as the anticipation for the day’s match continued to build.
This year’s Independence Cup featured an all-American contest between the Red States and Blue States, with both sides showcasing a talented roster of Newport Polo veterans.
Blue States established momentum early behind the play of Gus Reed, who opened the scoring before Laurel Howe answered for Red States to keep the opening chukker close. By halftime, however, Blue States had found their rhythm. Anna Dwyer and Dan Keating combined for a dominant second chukker, building a five-goal advantage through quick passing, disciplined defense, and efficient finishing.
Red States refused to let the match slip away quietly. Stuart Odell and Sam Clemens led a determined second-half rally, narrowing the deficit with several well-worked goals that reignited the crowd. Each time Red States threatened to close the gap, Blue States responded through the steady play of Reed and Keating, preserving their advantage entering the final chukker.
Dan Kinsella and Clemens mounted one final push during the closing minutes, but Blue States remained composed to secure a 13-9 victory and claim the Independence Cup Liberty Bowl.
Following the trophy presentation, hosted by Veuve Clicquot Champagne and presented by Phil Dey and Atilio Reyes of A1 Roofing & Construction, both teams gathered for congratulations and photographs before joining guests for a champagne toast at the Modern Luxury Lounge. A fan from Los Angles, California received the week’s Veuve Clicquot door prize, earning a place in the season-long drawing for two business-class tickets from Turkish Airlines.
As the afternoon gave way to evening, families lingered along the sidelines while players, guests, and sponsors reflected on a day that celebrated both competition and country. Marking America’s 250th anniversary during Newport Polo’s 150th Diamond Jubilee season, the Independence Cup once again demonstrated why it remains one of the club’s most meaningful and anticipated traditions.
Along with Aston Martin Boston, the Polo Series is proud to welcome partnerships with Brenton Hotel │ Turkish Airlines │ Foxwoods Resort Casino │ TD Bank │BD │ Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers │ Vanderbilt International Properties │ Hotel Viking │ Hammetts Hotel │ Newport Harbor Island Resort │ Forty 1° North │ Veuve Clicquot Champagne │Modern Luxury Boston │ Providence Business News │ Penelope Bourbon │ Clarke Cooke House │ RISE │The Macallan │ Brugal Rum │ Highclere Castle Gin │ Surfside │ Kadeema Rentals │ Spirit Water │ Absolut │ Codigo 1530 Tequila │ Gooseneck Vineyards Prosecco │ Chateau Sainte Marguerite Rosé │ Atria Senior Living │ Stella Artois │ A1 Roofing & Construction │ Grieco BMW │ Kinsella Building Co. │ ROCKSTAR Limo │ Classical 95.9 WCRI │ Cointreau │ Visit Jamaica │ Mt. Gay Silver Rum; and promotional partners including The Cocktail Guru │ Newport Jaguar Tours │ Sailing Yacht Tree of Life │ Island Adventure │ Cocoa & Co │ International Tennis Hall of Fame │ Newport Vineyards │ Elizabeth in Newport │ Newport Mansions │ Sea Newport │ Adventure Kiteboarding School │ Newport Kites │ Newport Classical | Discover Newport.